CHEVROLET CAMARO 2021 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
210 Driving and Operating
Shift Pattern–L4 and V6 Engines
These are the shift patterns for the 6-speed
manual transmissions.
Caution
The message MANUAL TRANSMISSION —
RELEASE CLUTCH PEDAL displays and a
chime sounds if the manual transmission
clutch pedal is partially applied for an
extended period of time while the vehicle
is being driven. Driving with the clutch
pedal applied can reduce the life of the
clutch and/or damage it. Fully release the
clutch pedal after each gear change.
Caution
The message REDUCED PERFORMANCE —
REDUCE CLUTCH USE displays and engine
torque is momentarily limited if excessive
manual transmission clutch slip is
detected while the clutch pedal is fully
released. This could be caused by a hot
clutch. Apply less pressure on the
accelerator pedal when accelerating from
a stop. Also, fully release the accelerator
pedal during gear changes. This will allow
the clutch to cool and should prevent
further clutch slip while the clutch pedal
is fully released. If this message displays
repeatedly, see your dealer. Repeated
clutch slip could cause permanent
damage.
Caution
The message TRANSMISSION IS HOT —
SLOW DOWN displays and a chime
sounds if the manual transmission fluid is
hot and vehicle speed is high. Driving
with the manual transmission fluid
temperature high can damage the
vehicle. Drive at a slower speed to cool
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the manual transmission fluid. This
message clears when the vehicle has
slowed sufficiently or if the manual
transmission fluid has cooled sufficiently.
To operate the transmission:
1 : Press the clutch pedal to the floor and
shift into 1 (First). Then slowly let up on the
clutch pedal while pressing the accelerator
pedal.
Shift into 1 (First) when going less than
65 km/h (40 mph). If the vehicle comes to a
complete stop and it is hard to shift into
1 (First), put the shift lever in Neutral and let
up on the clutch. Press the clutch pedal back
down to the floor. Then shift into 1 (First).
2 : Press the clutch pedal to the floor while
letting up on the accelerator pedal and shift
into 2 (Second). Then, slowly let up on the
clutch pedal while pressing the accelerator
pedal.
3, 4, 5, and 6 : Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) the same
way as for 2 (Second). Slowly let up on the
clutch pedal while pressing the accelerator
pedal.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
Driving and Operating 211
To stop, let up on the accelerator pedal and
press the brake pedal. Just before the
vehicle stops, press the clutch pedal and the
brake pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral :Use this position when starting or
idling the engine. The shift lever is in
Neutral when it is centered in the shift
pattern, not in any gear.
R : To back up, press the clutch pedal to the
floor and shift into R (Reverse). Let up on
the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
One to Four Shift Message (V8 Only)
When this message comes on, the vehicle
can only be shifted from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) instead of 1 (First) to 2 (Second).
The message will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
Complete the shift into 4 (Fourth) to turn off
this feature. This helps to get the best
possible fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), downshift to a
lower gear, if desired.
Caution
Forcing the shift lever into any gear
except 4 (Fourth) when the 1-4 SHIFT
message comes on may damage the
transmission. Shift only from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) when the message comes on.
This message will come on when:
.The engine coolant temperature is higher
than 76 °C (169 °F).
.The vehicle is accelerating from a stop
and going 24 to 31 km/h (15 to 19 mph).
.The vehicle is at 33% throttle or less.
Once displayed, the message will remain in
the DIC for two seconds, even if the
conditions for skip shift are no longer
satisfied. Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up Display
(HUD) may also have performance shift
timing lights across the top of the display.
The rows of lights get closer together as the
maximum shift point gets closer. Shift the
transmission before the lights come together
in the display. Shift immediately if the lights
are flashing.
See
Head-Up Display (HUD) 0100.
Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a V8 engine and a
manual transmission have Active Rev Match
(ARM). ARM aids in smoother shifting by
matching the engine speed to the next
selected gear. By monitoring shift lever and
clutch operation, ARM adjusts engine speed
to match a calibrated value based on gear
selection. On upshifts and downshifts,
engine speed will be decreased and
increased to match vehicle road speed and
transmission gear position. ARM is
maintained while the clutch pedal is pressed,
but will deactivate if the shift lever is left in
the Neutral position.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
212 Driving and Operating
The system is activated and deactivated by
pressing either of the paddles marked REV
MATCH on the steering wheel. The system
must be activated with each new ignition
cycle.
A gear indicator in the instrument cluster
displays the current gear selected:
.When ARM is activated, the gear number
is amber.
.When ARM is deactivated, the gear
number is white.
.If no gear number is displayed while the
shift lever is in gear, service is required.
ARM will be disabled, and the malfunctionindicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp 091. The clutch and
manual transmission will continue to
operate normally.
ARM will also:
.Only be active above 25 km/h (16 mph).
.Only match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
.Not operate when the accelerator pedal is
applied.
.Be disabled when the coolant
temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F).
Brakes
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The Antilock Brake System (ABS) helps
prevent a braking skid and maintain steering
while braking hard.
ABS performs a system check when the
vehicle is first driven. A momentary motor
or clicking noise may be heard while this
test is going on, and the brake pedal may
move slightly. This is normal.
If there is a problem with ABS, this warning
light stays on. See Antilock Brake System
(ABS) Warning Light 094.
ABS does not change the time needed to
get a foot on the brake pedal and does not
always decrease stopping distance. If you
get too close to the vehicle ahead, there will
not be enough time to apply the brakes if
that vehicle suddenly slows or stops. Always
leave enough room ahead to stop, even
with ABS.
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold the brake
pedal down firmly. Hearing or feeling ABS
operate is normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows steering and braking at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can
help even more than braking.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 213
Electric Parking Brake
The Electric Parking Brake (EPB) can always
be applied, even if the vehicle is off. In case
of insufficient electrical power, the EPB
cannot be applied or released. To prevent
draining the battery, avoid unnecessary
repeated cycles of the EPB.
The system has a red parking brake status
light and an amber service parking brake
warning light. SeeElectric Parking Brake
Light 093 and
Service Electric Parking Brake Light 093.
There are also parking brake-related Driver
Information Center (DIC) messages. Before leaving the vehicle, check the red
parking brake status light to ensure that the
parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Pull the EPB switch momentarily.
The red parking brake status light will flash
and then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the red parking brake status light
flashes continuously, the EPB is only
partially applied or there is a problem with
the EPB. A DIC message will display. Release
the EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps flashing,
have the vehicle serviced. Do not drive the
vehicle if the red parking brake status light
is flashing. See your dealer.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, pull the EPB switch. Continue to
hold the switch until the red parking brake
status light remains on. If the amber service
parking brake warning light is on, see your
dealer. If the EPB is applied while the vehicle is
moving, the vehicle will decelerate as long
as the switch is pulled. If the switch is
pulled until the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply the EPB
in some situations when the vehicle is not
moving. This is normal, and is done to
periodically check the correct operation of
the EPB system, or at the request of other
safety functions that utilize the EPB.
If the EPB fails to apply, block the rear
wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the red parking
brake status light is off.
If the amber service parking brake warning
light is on, release the EPB by pressing and
holding the EPB switch. Continue to hold the
switch until the red parking brake status
light is off. If either light stays on after
release is attempted, see your dealer.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
214 Driving and Operating
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on can
overheat the brake system and cause
premature wear or damage to brake
system parts. Make sure that the parking
brake is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
Automatic EPB Release
The EPB will automatically release if the
vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an
attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid
acceleration when the EPB is applied, to
preserve parking brake lining life.
The EPB can also be used to prevent roll
back for vehicles with a manual transmission
taking off on a hill. When no roll back is
desired, an applied EPB will allow both feet
to be used for the clutch and accelerator
pedals in preparation for starting the vehicle
moving in the intended direction. In this
case, there is no need to press the switch to
release the EPB.]
Brake Assist
Brake Assist detects rapid brake pedal
applications due to emergency braking
situations and provides additional braking toactivate the Antilock Brake System (ABS) if
the brake pedal is not pushed hard enough
to activate ABS normally. Minor noise, brake
pedal pulsation, and/or pedal movement
during this time may occur. Continue to
apply the brake pedal as the driving
situation dictates. Brake Assist disengages
when the brake pedal is released.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
{Warning
Do not rely on the HSA feature. HSA does
not replace the need to pay attention
and drive safely. You may not hear or
feel alerts or warnings provided by this
system. Failure to use proper care when
driving may result in injury, death,
or vehicle damage. See
Defensive Driving
0 182.
When the vehicle is stopped on a grade, Hill
Start Assist (HSA) temporarily prevents the
vehicle from rolling in an unintended
direction during the transition from brake
pedal release to accelerator pedal apply. The
brakes release when the accelerator pedal is
applied or automatically release after a few seconds. The brakes may also release under
other conditions. Do not rely on HSA to hold
the vehicle.
HSA is available when the vehicle is facing
uphill in a forward gear, or when facing
downhill in R (Reverse). The vehicle must
come to a complete stop on a grade for HSA
to activate.
Ride Control Systems
Traction Control/Electronic
Stability Control
System Operation
The vehicle has a Traction Control System
(TCS) and StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability
Control (ESC). These systems help limit
wheel slip and assist the driver in
maintaining control, especially on slippery
road conditions.
TCS activates if it senses that any of the
drive wheels are spinning or beginning to
lose traction. When this happens, TCS
applies the brakes to the spinning wheels
and reduces engine power to limit
wheel spin.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 215
StabiliTrak/ESC activates when the vehicle
senses a difference between the intended
path and the direction the vehicle is actually
traveling. StabiliTrak/ESC selectively applies
braking pressure to any one of the vehicle
wheel brakes to assist the driver in keeping
the vehicle on the intended path.
If cruise control is being used and traction
control or StabiliTrak/ESC begins to limit
wheel spin, cruise control will disengage.
Cruise control may be turned back on when
road conditions allow.
Both systems come on automatically when
the vehicle is started and begins to move.
The systems may be heard or felt while
they are operating or while performing
diagnostic checks. This is normal and does
not mean there is a problem with the
vehicle.
It is recommended to leave both systems on
for normal driving conditions, but it may be
necessary to turn TCS off if the vehicle gets
stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. SeeIf the
Vehicle Is Stuck 0195 and “Turning the
Systems Off and On” later in this section.
The indicator light for both systems is in the
instrument cluster. This light will:
.Flash when TCS is limiting wheel spin
.Flash when StabiliTrak/ESC is activated
.Turn on and stay on when either system
is not working
If either system fails to turn on or to
activate, a message displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC), and
dcomes on
and stays on to indicate that the system is
inactive and is not assisting the driver in
maintaining control. The vehicle is safe to
drive, but driving should be adjusted
accordingly.
If
dcomes on and stays on:
1. Stop the vehicle.
2. Turn the engine off and wait 15 seconds.
3. Start the engine. Drive the vehicle. If
dcomes on and stays
on, the vehicle may need more time to
diagnose the problem. If the condition
persists, see your dealer.
Turning the Systems Off and On
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or accelerate
heavily when TCS is off. The vehicle
driveline could be damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and release
Y.
The traction off light
idisplays in the
instrument cluster.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
14583589) - 2021 - CRC - 10/1/20
216 Driving and Operating
To turn TCS on again, pressY. The traction
off light
idisplayed in the instrument
cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
Yis
pressed, the system will not turn off until
the wheels stop spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC,
press and hold
Yuntil the traction off
light
iand StabiliTrak/ESC OFF lightg
come on and stay on in the instrument
cluster.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak/ESC on again,
press
Y. The traction off lightiand
StabiliTrak/ESC OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
Adding accessories can affect the vehicle
performance. See Accessories and
Modifications 0236.
Engine Drag Control (EDC)
EDC improves vehicle stability by sensing if
there is a difference in speed between the
free rolling front wheels and the rear drive
wheels that often occurs when the driver
takes their foot off the accelerator pedal on
slippery surfaces (snow, ice, etc.). When this
is detected, EDC sends more torque to the rear wheels to make sure all four wheels are
spinning at similar speeds, making the
vehicle more stable.
Driver Mode Control
Driver Mode Control adds a sportier feel,
provides a more comfortable ride, or assists
in different weather conditions or terrain.
This system simultaneously changes the
software calibration of various sub-systems
to optimize driving performance. Depending
on the option package, available features,
and mode selected, the exhaust, suspension,
steering, and powertrain will change
calibrations to achieve the desired mode
characteristics. If the vehicle is equipped
with Magnetic Ride Control, selecting the
various Driver Modes adjusts the ride of the
vehicle to enhance the ride performance for
the road conditions and the selected mode.
While in the Sport and/or Track Modes, the
vehicle monitors driving behavior and
automatically enables Performance Shift
Features in the automatic transmission
when spirited driving is detected. These
features maintain lower transmission gears
to increase available engine braking and
improve acceleration response. The vehicle
will exit these features and return to normal
operation after a short period when no
spirited driving is detected.
Driver Mode Control Switch
The Driver Mode Control has three or four
modes: Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and Track.
Press
yorzon the MODE switch on the
center console to make a mode selection.
Pressing the switch will display the moding
menu in the instrument cluster with all
available ride modes. Every switch press will
select and activate the next available mode.
When Sport, Snow/Ice, or Track Mode is
selected, a unique and persistent indicator
will be displayed in the instrument cluster.

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Driving and Operating 217
Tour Mode
Use for normal city and highway driving to
provide a smooth, soft ride. This setting
provides a balanced setting between comfort
and handling. This is the standard mode.
Sport Mode
Use where road conditions or personal
preference demand a more controlled
response.
When Sport Mode is selected, the
transmission may downshift to a lower gear
for better performance. The transmission
will continue to shift automatically but can
hold a lower gear longer than it would in
the Tour Mode based on braking, throttle
input, and vehicle lateral acceleration. See
Automatic Transmission0206. The steering
will change to provide more precise control.
If the vehicle has Magnetic Ride Control, the
suspension will change to provide better
cornering performance. If the vehicle is
equipped with Active Exhaust, the exhaust
valves will open earlier and more often.
Competitive Driving Mode can be accessed
through this mode by pressing
Yon the
console twice. This Competitive Driving Mode is only on SS,
1LE, and ZL1 vehicles. For example, a vehicle
with a V6 engine and automatic
transmission will have Sport Mode, but will
not be able to access Competitive
Driving Mode.
Snow/Ice Mode
If equipped, use when more traction is
needed during slippery conditions. The
automatic transmission will upshift normally
when the vehicle is moving. The acceleration
will adjust to help provide a smoother
launch. The automatic transmission will also
shift differently to assist in maintaining
traction.
This feature is not intended for use when
the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow,
or gravel. If the vehicle becomes stuck, see
If
the Vehicle Is Stuck 0195.
Track Mode
If equipped, use when maximum vehicle
handling is desired.
When Track Mode is selected, the
transmission may downshift to a lower gear
for better performance. The automatic
transmission and steering will function
similar to Sport Mode.
The accelerator pedal is adjusted to give
maximum control during the highest level of
spirited driving. The Magnetic Ride Control
will be set to the optimum level for vehicle
responsiveness. If the vehicle is equipped
with Active Exhaust, the exhaust valves will
open. Performance Traction Management
(PTM) can be accessed through this mode by
pressing
Yon the console twice.
There are attributes that vary by mode
shown below. Not all vehicles have all
features, depending on the vehicle options.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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218 Driving and Operating
Modes:SNOW/ICETOUR
Default SPORT
TRACK
Throttle Progression WeatherNormalNormal Track
Transmission Shift Mode (Automatic Only) NormalNormal Normal or Sport
depending on trimlevel Track
Engine Sound Management (if equipped) TourTourSport Track
Steering TourTourSport Track
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC) -
Competitive Driving Mode/PTM (if equipped) N/A
N/A Competitive Driving
Mode Available PTM Available
Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped) TourTourSport Track
Launch Control (when in Competitive Driving Mode) N/A N/AAvailable Available
Throttle Progression
Adjusts throttle sensitivity by selecting how
quickly or slowly the throttle reacts to
input.
Automatic Transmission Shift Mode (if
equipped)
Adjusts from normal operation to Sport or
Track shifting features. Engine Sound Management (if equipped)
Changes when variable exhaust valves open
or close.
Engine Sound Enhancement (turbo 4)
Allows the ability to turn Engine Sound
Enhancement off.
Steering
Adjusts from a lighter steering feel in Tour
Mode to reduced assist for more
steering feel.StabiliTrak/ESC - Competitive Driving Mode
(if equipped)
Available in Sport and Track Modes.
Magnetic Ride Control (if equipped)
Adjusts the shock damping firmness based
on driving conditions to improve comfort
and performance.

Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 219
Launch Control (when in Competitive
Driving Mode)
Available only in Sport and Track Modes for
maximum“off-the-line” acceleration when in
Competitive Driving Mode.
For more information, see Track Events and
Competitive Driving 0185.
Competitive Driving Mode (SS,
ZL1 and 1LE Models Only)
Competitive Driving Mode and Launch
Control are systems designed to allow
increased performance while accelerating
and/or cornering. This is accomplished by
regulating and optimizing the engine,
brakes, and suspension performance. These
modes are for use at a closed course race
track and are not intended for use on public
roads. They will not compensate for a
driver’s inexperience or lack of familiarity
with the race track. Drivers who prefer to
allow the system to have more control of
the engine, brakes, and suspension are
advised to turn the normal TCS and
StabiliTrak/Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
systems on.
Caution
Attempting to shift when the drive
wheels are spinning and do not have
traction may cause damage to the
transmission. Damage caused by misuse
of the vehicle is not covered by the
vehicle warranty. Do not attempt to shift
when the drive wheels do not have
traction.
Competitive Driving Mode allows full engine
power while the StabiliTrak/ESC system
helps maintain directional control of the
vehicle by selective brake application. In this
mode, TCS is off and Launch Control is
available. Adjust your driving style to
account for the available engine power. See
“Launch Control” later in this section.
These lights are on when the vehicle is in
the Competitive Driving Mode.
This optional handling mode can be selected
by pressing the TCS/StabiliTrak/ESC button
on the console two times. The appropriate
message displays in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).